So far, solar good

“Solar and green energy is the is the way forward and it was a simple process. Hassle-free to be honest!” 

That’s Chingford resident Abullah’s verdict on the new solar paneling installed on his roof thanks to the council-backed Warmer Homes Local Grant (WHLG). 

The installation has just been completed, and it won’t take many more beautiful sunny days like this one to see this solar technology helping him cut both his energy bills and his carbon footprint.  
 
The WHLG provides offers free energy upgrades such as loft and flat roof insulation, smart controls and solar panels to eligible homeowners and landlords. All with the aim of making local homes, cheaper, healthier and more comfortable to live in.  

Abdullah explains: “For me, solar is about getting this technology and using renewable energy through natural sunlight, which is good for the environment and the planet, and of course the end goal is to get the bills a bit lower. 
 
“The process from installation to completion was very quick and it was explained very well by everyone from the council and the installer. They came and did their work and connected the system and we were up and running! I can only say good things about it because I’ve had a good experience.” 

Abdullah belongs to one more than 140 local households who have had energy saving technology installed by the council’s retrofit partner Kanopiworks as part of the WHLG.  
 
This has led to a total of more than 250 energy efficiency and renewable energy measures being delivered in the first year of the initiative alone, with work expected to lift at least 100 properties into an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above.  
 
Ali Shikheey is a retrofit lead at Kanopiworks and today is checking in on successful WHLG applicants like Abdullah to make sure that the new energy saving measures are delivering for them.  

Ali says: “It’s about helping local people benefit from cheaper bills, more comfortable living and lower carbon emissions.  

“I’ve visited two homes this afternoon including Abdullah, who has had solar paneling and a battery installed. I wanted to check that it is going well and that he was happy with the setup and whether he had any questions or issues.  
 
“We are very keen to ensure that the customer journey with Kanopiworks is very user-friendly and the installations are carried out fast and with no disruption. So, it’s great to hear Abdullah talking how positive his experience of the service has been.” 

Delivery of the WHLG is the latest in a range of measures secured by the council in the last few years, which has seen thousands of households in the borough receive support to improve energy efficiency, cut their bills and tackle the climate crisis. 

Cllr Clyde Loakes MBE, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate and Air Quality explains: “It’s fantastic to see how the WHLG is helping local people to make their homes more energy and carbon efficient.  

“So far, we have delivered significant energy efficiency improvements to more than 140 homes in the borough which are expected to collectively save more than 2,500 tonnes of carbon emissions . Over the lifespan of the measures, that’s equivalent to 5,000 long haul flights.  
 
“Households who’ve had these energy upgrades are set to save hundreds of pounds a year in energy bills going forward.  
 
“The speedy rollout of work from Ali and Kanopiworks, which is wholly-owned by the council, has meant we were able to deliver this work in really good time, leading to us securing further funding early on and benefiting more local households.  
 
“I’m delighted that we will continue to roll out WHLG support over the next two years, and the council will continue to work to ensure residents have the support they need to lower their energy bills.  
 
“We know that at this time many people will have serious concerns about the cost of energy. This is why we will continue to support residents wherever possible to save on their bills, whilst also delivering on our ambitious climate action programme.”  

• Visit the WHLG website for more details, terms and conditions, and to apply.
• Kanopiworks is the council’s trusted retrofit partner and works to help homeowners reduce energy bills, increase comfort, and lower their carbon footprint.
• The Greater London Authority is administering WHLG funding for the Government in London.